Sibling-Focused Family Prevention With Latinx Siblings in Middle Childhood: A Randomized Clinical Trial Spanning the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Child Development
• Family Studies
• Psychology

Background:

• Sibling relationships are crucial for child development.
• Parenting practices significantly influence sibling interactions.
• Latinx families face unique cultural considerations in parenting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Siblings Are Special (SIBS) program.
• To examine the program's impact on parenting of siblings and sibling relationships.
• To assess outcomes among Latinx families, predominantly of Mexican descent.

Main Methods:

• A pre-registered randomized clinical trial design.
• Inclusion of 272 sibling dyads with 5th graders and younger siblings.
• Randomization to the SIBS program or an alternative academic skills program.

Main Results:

• Significant positive effects were observed in sibling-focused parenting.
• The program led to reduced authoritarian control and non-intervention in sibling conflicts.
• No significant effects were found on overall sibling relationship quality.

Conclusions:

• The SIBS program shows promise in modifying specific parenting behaviors related to siblings.
• Further research is needed to enhance sibling relationship quality outcomes.
• Consideration of cultural contexts and implications of events like COVID-19 is important for future interventions.